Paris Microfinance Network

Resources: Education

Student Testimonial

Masters Degree in Microfinance, University of Bergamo, Italy

Boubacar Diallo

Master student, University of Bergamo

Technical Advisor, Microfinance, Freedom from Hunger, West Africa Office

"The Masters programme in Microfinance at Bergamo University offers a very good combination of theory and practice. All three components of the programme – distance learning, in class courses, field and dissertation work – add invaluable input. I really appreciate the teaching techniques, which are in line with adult learning principles of dialogue, experience exchange, respect and participation. Group and team work are promoted through practical exercises, so that students can more easily understand the basic concepts lectured during the theoretical lectures on statistics, classic development economics, banking and microfinance.

The programme brought together people from nineteen countries, from Europe, Africa & the Middle East with different social and cultural backgrounds, different qualifications and work experiences. Interacting with all these people has been a very enriching experience.

Regarding the connection with the labour market, every participant has benefited from the internship in either a microfinance institution, or in research / technical assistance institutions. Nearly all of the students have been employed and some of them are playing key roles in the microfinance sector in their country and region.

I have improved my skills in the microfinance sector analysis, as well as my research and presentation skills, due to the contribution of well-known and capable lecturers we have had from the academic world and the microfinance and banking sectors."